Certain posters are definitely pushing specific names really hard, but since I like seeing these all in one place, here’s the list:
- Yeti/Yetis - seems preferred by those that want something unique, apolitical, and the "yuh" sound, though may conflict with secondary Avalanche logos
- Eagles/Golden Eagles - common bird name and one of several"gold" names, though it may conflict with nearby Vegas
- Spikes/Golden Spikes - obvious nod to Utah heritage with secondary reference to elk
- Seagulls/Gulls - state bird, simple, sounds like "goals"
- Swarm/Hive/Stingers - clear nod to the Beehive State and use of Yellow/Black color scheme used by the Jazz lately
- Raptors - reference to Utah's dinosaur past, though already used in Toronto (NBA)
- Black Diamonds/Double Blacks - intimidating skiing reference with a simple design and clear scheme
- Stags - term not common in Utah for deer, which are plentiful, though commonly used for other pro sport teams
- Saints - riff on the Church name and another callback (like Jazz) to New Orleans
- Templars - another riff on the Church (and church/temple) prevalence
- 47's/47ers - like the 49ers (NFL), it harkens to the 1847 arrival of the early pioneers
- Trappers - reference to the occupation of early visitors and settlers
- Cutthroats - reference to fishing, though may be problematic in a sport with sharp skates and recent news stories
- Elk/Wapiti - common and scientific name for a great big game species with trophy-worthy possibilities
- Phoenix - another mythical creature, though there would be an unintentional (or maybe intentional) jab at the Coyote's previous city
- Bighorns/Rams - another possible big game species, though somewhat common across sports and maybe a better fit for other nearby states
- Blizzard - intimidating winter term that uses "ZZ" (a past theme in Utah sports)
- Blacksmiths - nod to the metal industry in Utah, could use Black/Yellow themes of recent Jazz teams, and could colloquially be called the "Smiths" in reference to the team owner
In my opinion, some of these have real potential. The trick always seems to be figuring out which ones have staying potential--which ones you'll get used to or will grow on you over time? I have my doubts that some of these will age well.